Life as a House (2001)
Kernel Score: 79% · 443 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2001-10-25
Runtime: 125 minutes
Where to watch Life as a House
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
When a man is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he takes custody of his misanthropic teenage son, for whom quality time means getting high, engaging in small-time prostitution, and avoiding his father.
Life as a House parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Life as a House is an R-rated drama involving a terminally ill father and his troubled teen son, including drug use and prostitution references.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — References small-time prostitution involving the teenage character.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — The teen son's storyline centers on getting high and other risky behavior.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Life as a House
If you liked Life as a House, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Beautiful Boy (2018) — 86%
- Palmer (2021) — 89%
- Marriage Story (2019) — 88%
- The Eight Mountains (2022) — 86%
- House of Sand and Fog (2003) — 81%
- All My Life (2020) — 89%
- Standing Tall (2015) — 81%
- Honey Boy (2019) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Kevin Kline as George Monroe
- Hayden Christensen as Sam Monroe
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Robin Kimball
- Jena Malone as Alyssa Beck
- Mary Steenburgen as Colleen Beck
- Ian Somerhalder as Josh
- Jamey Sheridan as Peter Kimball
- Scott Bakula as Officer Kurt Walker
- Sandra Nelson as Nurse
- Sam Robards as David Dokos
Life as a House FAQ
Is Life as a House good?
Life as a House has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 443 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Life as a House?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Life as a House OK for kids?
Life as a House is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Life as a House is an R-rated drama involving a terminally ill father and his troubled teen son, including drug use and prostitution references.
What movies are like Life as a House?
If you liked Life as a House, try Beautiful Boy, Palmer, Marriage Story and The Eight Mountains.